From The Pages Of The Ponca City News, Wednesday,
August 20, 1997
LOCAL
Osage Nation: Progressive and Proud
Magazine Spotlights Tonkawa
Kaw City Firefighters Set Benefit
Two Ponca Citians Complete Internships With Sen. Nickles
Area Calendar
Back in Action
Getting Ready for School
Summer Volunteers Honored at Lunch
Jaycees Invite New Membership Of Local Young Men and Women
Adjusting Lifestyles Could Lower Crime
Emergency Sirens To Sound Thursday
Blackwell Hospital Names Addition to Physicians Staff
United Way Announces AmeriCorps Directorship
Balloon Festival, Air Show Set Here for Last August Weekend
Controversial Housing Plan Scrapped
NOC Announces Native American Leadership Degree
OBI Begins New Program Testing for Hepatitis C
DEATHS
Betty Ruth McGlaslin Baldwin
Clifford Raymond Leverett
Services Pending
Angel Columbus
NEWS BRIEFS
LIFESTYLES
PT Installation Set Thursday
SPORTS
Po-Hi Volleyball Lady Cats Learning On Road
Editors Note; The Osage Nation, with tribal headquarters located in Pawhuska, is one of the six area tribes supporting the Standing Bear Memorial Park project in Ponca City. The Tribe's bronze tribal seal is affixed to a large bolder in the Standing Bear Native American Park for visitors to observe. Members of the tribe are active in all phases of the development of the Standing Bear Park project.
Osages from the Sioux Tribe
The Osage tribal history is rich and colorful, from the first historical record of the tribes existence on the Osage River in Missouri. The tribe's original name "Wa Szha-She" was corrupted by Early French traders to its present day name - Osage. Most historians agree that the Osages were a branch of the southern Sioux Tribe.
According to tribal tradition the Osage people once resided on the banks of the Wabash and Ohio rivers, but moved westward because of flooding along those rivers. In the move they separated into two bands, the Great Osage and the Little Osage. In 1802 a third band was formed and settled along the Arkansas, Grand and Verdigris Rivers near Muskogee.
Before the Treaty of 1839, the principal rendezvous of the Great and Little Osages continued to be on the Osage River in Missouri. They ranged over a wide area on hunting and marauding expeditions and claimed the territory west of the Mississippi between the Arkansas and Missouri Rivers.
Hunted Near Ponca City
One of the temporary hunting camps used by the Osage was once located on the Salt Fork River near Ponca City - only a short distance from the reservation they would occupy 65 years later. During these early years, history records the Osage as hostile, guarding their territory as other tribes, particularly the Cherokees, migrated westward and encroached upon their hunting grounds.
When met on friendly terms, the early-day Osage was known to be generous, hospitable, dignified and possessed great social poise. According to history books, Osage tribal members have always been a handsome people. They captured the imagination of early missionaries, explorers and travelers and Washington Irving described them in his "Tour of the Prairies," as 'the finest looking Indians I have ever seen in the west.'
Their early existence depended on hunting expeditions for buffalo, deer, and antelope and the cultivation of small crops . The depended mainly on the buffalo hunts for their food, clothing and shelter and would bring large quantities of jerked buffalo meat, tallow, robes and pelts home from the hunts. Lodges were made of poles, enclosed with buffalo hides or mats.
When other tribes moved in, life became more complex and in the Treaty of 1825, they ceded lands in Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma to the U.S. Government. The living situation became worse in the 1830s and the Osage were pressured to move from the reaminder of their lands. As they fought to preserve their way of life an avalanche of claims against the tribe were filed for aggressive behaviors.
In 1839 the Government agreed to pay an annuity for those lands in the amount of $20,000 plus other monies, provisions, stock, and farm implements. The Osage Tribe accepted and moved to Kansas, where they traded pelts and furs, and farmed.But by 1853, most game was driven away and their semi-annual hunting expeditions to the "Grand Prairie" were becoming increasingly unproductive.
Osages Move to Oklahoma
By the time they signed the Treaty of 1868, the Osage had ceded all their lands in Kansas to the U.S. Government amounting to 8,000,000 acres. Funds from the sale of this land was to be used to purchase a permanent home in Indian Territory.
The final home of the Osages consisted of 1,470,599 acres in Oklahoma, purchased for them by the government.
The remaining funds, $8,500,000 was deposited in the U.S. Treasury to earn interest at 5 percent. Interest on these funds was distributed on a per capita basis each quarter and together with grazing fees collected from white cattlemen, the annual per capita income was approximately $200.
Unsuccessful efforts were made in the 1890s to induce the Osage to divide up the land in allotments and sell their surplus lands to the U.S. Government. They finally agreed - if the tribal rolls would first be purged of names of persons not entitled to be there.
A tribal government patterned after that of the Five Civilized Tribes was organized and the Constitution of the Osage Nation was adopted on Dec. 31, 1891, with James Bigheart as Chief. That first government was later abolished because of disputes over elections and monies of the tribe.
In 1906, a new era began when, Congress authorized the construction of railroads through the reservation and established five townsites, where citizens could acquire lots for residential and business purposes. The reservation was to be designated a separate county in the State of Oklahoma when statehood was to occur. The Osage Reservation was designated the state's largest county at statehood in 1907.
The Allotment Act of 1906 ordered the preparation of a final tribal membership roll, division of the lands, where each member would receive and 160 acre homestead and 320 acres to be divided by other means; reservation of mineral rights in the allotted lands to the tribe; provision for payment of earnings; establishment of an Osage Tribal Council with a principal chief, assistant chief, and eight council members; confirmation of railroad right-of-ways; and the establishment of tribal land reserves, including 160 acres each for Osage dwelling purposes near the towns of Hominy, Pawhuska, and Fairfax; and an Osage Agency Reserve of 87 acres.
Oil Changes Way of Life
Following the opening of the first oil well on tribal lands on Oct. 28, 1897 a drastic change was made in the Osage people's way of life. The income of a typical Osage family increased from about $200 per year to over $40,000 per year if a family of four were all listed on the allotment roles. The sudden wealth caused merchants and professional people to take advantage of the tribal member's ignorance and chaos reigned until the government intervened in 1921, to set up supervised trust accounts and other assistance.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, was located on the Osage Agency campus in Pawhuska and yet today handles many of the mineral affairs and supervision of allotment payments. A U.S. Public Health Service Clinic for the tribe was also located there and today administers health programs for Indians in Oklahoma.
At the time of the Osage's removal in 1871 to Osage County, the full bloods constituted 92 per cent of the tribe. By 1906, the full blood population had decreased to 38 percent. In the historic space of 34 years, the Osage people were catapulted from a semi-nomadic, communal society into the midst of a highly complex, competitive and individualistic culture, with the pattern fixed for their rapid absorption by the dominant group.
In 1906, 926 full-blood and 1,303 mixed blood or adopted Osages constituted the legal membership of the Tribe. In a survey in 1950 it is recorded that the Osage Indian population numbered about 5,300, of which only 9 percent were full bloods. In the 1970s, 8,244 allotted tribal members were recorded on the books.
Today, members of the Osage Tribe are located all around the world. The largest single group of non-Oklahomans were residing in Southern California in the 1970s. At that time, 82 percent of the eligible allotted Osage tribal members lived in Oklahoma and 67 percent in Osage County.
Social Life and Mineral Rights
In the early days, government and mission Indian boarding schools were established, but the Osage parents preferred to send their children to public schools. In 1925, the first full-blood Osage graduated from public high school and by 1935, the total of graduates increased to 31. Osage tribal youth today are prominent in their schools, wherever they attend, excelling in athletics,leading student activities and popular with the student body. Almost 100 percent who graduate continue their education at prestigious colleges and universities for degrees.
During World War II, 519 members of the Osage Tribe served in the Armed forces. Fifty were commissioned officers, 47 were non-commissioned officers, 26 were killed, and one was missing in action.
In an early report, the Osage mineral reservation comprised an area of 1,467,370 acres. The oil, gas and other minerals in a given tract may be leased separately, and this mineral reservation overshadows all other assets in the economy of the tribe. Minerals now being produced in commercial quantities in the order of their importance are oil, gas, limestone, gravel, sand, coal and sandstone.
The tribal lands are located in several areas of Oklahoma at Grayhorse, Hominy, Pawhuska, the Agency Administrative Facility Reserve, and some land west of Pawhuska and near Sand Springs.
The Tribal Agency Administrative Headquarters, boasts more than two dozen buildings used for miscellaneous purposes including the Osage Tribal Museum and Auditorium; the Tribal Agency Headquarters, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency and a Health Services building. The campus is located within the heart of the City of Pawhuska.
The Osages, on and off the reservation, have adjusted well to their surroundings and the modern day world. They take an active part in the religious, social and political activities of the communities in which they reside. Many own their own homes in average or above average prosperous neighborhoods and lead the community in civic endeavors where they live. Most tribal members are gainfully employed in various fields of industry and in the professional and business world.
With an eye to the future, the tribal members of the Osage Tribe, are progressive, up-to-date, and proud of their heritage and their status in the world today.
TONKAWA - The town of Tonkawa has been featured in the "Oklahoma Today," magazine for the part it played in the oil boom of the 1920s.
During the oil boom of the twenties a small town named Tonkawa exploded into a big city with more than 100 cafes, three theaters, a bottling works, 15 oil supply houses; creating a population of more than 10,000 residents.
With the help of E.W. Marland, the Tonkawa or Three Sands Field in Kay County, not to mention the Ponca City field, became the wonder of the petroleum world and later the Conoco Oil Company.
In its first special issue on oil in four decades, "Oklahoma Today" charts the bigger-than-life history of the Oklahoma oil industry: from the accidental discovery of oil in 1895; to the arrival of the first commercial well in Bartlesville in 1897; to the opening of the Oklahoma City field and the discovery of oil beneath the Capitol.
The feature story "One Hundred Years of Oil" takes the reader on a roller coaster ride from the beginning, describing how the state's "black gold" became a dream pursued by countless wildcatters such as J. Paul Getty, the Phillips brothers, and E.W. Marland.
The issue contains something for everyone: with stories on the women of oil, wildcatters, oil memorabilia, and the spectacular gardens watered with oil money.
The issue is available now on newsstands in Oklahoma and the neighboring states. For mail orders call 1-800-777-1793.
"Oklahoma Today," recipient of the International Regional Magazine Association's Magazine of the Year award for four of the past seven years, is published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department and has a paid circulation of 50, 000.
The Kaw City Volunteer Fire Department's 8th annual pork barbecue and calf fry will be 5-8 p.m. Sept. 13. Beverages will be provided and the event will take place at the American Legion Building in Kaw City.
Cost is $7.50 for advanced sales and $8 at the door. Raffle tickets are available for door prizes. Proceeds from the benefit will go toward fire department equipment.
Those wanting more information about the event can call 269-2268 or 269-2525.
WASHINGTON - Ponca City natives Leslie Murphy and Hal Niemann recently completed a six-week internship in Oklahoma Senator Don Nickles' office.
Murphy, 20, is the daughter of Larry and Nancy Murphy and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in family relations and child development at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. Niemann, 21, is the son of Don and Sallie Niemann Jr. he is currently seeking his degree in political science at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, where he is also a member of the Political Science and Pre Law club. Both are graduates of Ponca City High School.
"We are delighted to have Leslie and Hal working in Washington this summer," Nickles said. "Their hard work and dedication were of great benefit to my staff and me."
During their tenure on Capitol Hill, Murphy and Niemann researched legislative issues for Nickles and his staff, helped respond to constituent requests and witnessed first hand the inner workings of Congress and its relationship to the other branches of government.
Throughout the Season
August 23
August 26
August 28
August 29-31
September 4
September 5-6
September 5-26
September 6
September 8
September 9
September 11
September 15
September 18
September 20
September 20-21
September 23
September 25
September 28
October 2
October 4
October 9
October 11
October 14
October 20
October 23
October 28
November 10
On the Road again and yes they can't wait to get on the road again! UPS trucks rolled out as UPS workers rolled in after the 15-day strike. Relief was apparent as smiling and eager employees scurried about checking their trucks and loading parcels. "I am glad it is over so we can get back to work and do what we do best, taking care of our customers," 14-year UPS veteran Russell Cobb said early this morning. Local management refused comment other than to say they would be in full operation today. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
Traffic crews have been busy preparing the city for the beginning of school. Traffic signals have been adjusted, school zone signs erected and cross walks painted. Bill Taylor and Butch Thompson take advantage of a break in the rain to prepare a street crossing at the Middle School. (News Photo by Patti Pfeiffer)
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center summer volunteers and their supervisors were honored recently at a luncheon.
Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Berno Ebbesson, Ponca City physician since 1975. His message conveyed the importance of volunteerism and how deeply impressed he was with the numbers of volunteers who had devoted their summer to volunteerism at the medical center. He challenged the teens to look at health care professions for careers, indicating that being a Volunteen at SJRMC has been the starting point for a number of young people entering health care professions. He thanked the volunteers for their many hours and many years of service.
Special recognition was given to Helen Gower, volunteer since the 1940s who recently celebrated her 94th birthday and continues to crochet lap robes for the St. Joseph Cancer Center. Barbara Van Osten, a volunteer who is moving with her family to Austin, Texas, was also recognized for her years of service.
The program ended with an original poem written by Volunteen Leslee Layton of Newkirk. The poem, entitled "Released," reveals the thoughts of a teen volunteer as she wheels an aging patient out of the hospital.
During June and July, 92 adult volunteers and 24 volunteens contributed 4,772 hours of their time to serve in 22 areas of need within the medical center.
Editors Note; The Ponca City Jaycees are currently inviting young men and women in the community to apply for membership. The following is a brief summary of the club's goals, activities and history.
Who are the Jaycees?
The Jaycee organization is a group of young men and women ages 21-39 dedicated to the development of leadership skills through community service.
Through membership a Jaycee develops skills in the management in time, personnel, financial and public relationships. The skills are learned through planning and conducting community service projects. In this way, members develop themselves while providing needed services to the community.
Some local projects included the Children's Film Festival, set for Sept. 6; KidCare ID; SuperKicks and Run, Punt and Pass designed to instill an appreciation for fundamental soccer and football skills; Thanksgiving Adopt-A-Family and Christmas Adopt-A-Family food baskets for needy families; and Christmas Angels (Christmas gifts for needy children and nursing home residents). The Jaycees Annual Raft Race is probably their most well-known project locally. The Jaycees have even bathed the Pioneer Woman!
Leadership Training
Through Jaycee involvement, men and women Jaycees can benefit from hundreds (possibly thousands) of dollars in leadership training (both hands-on and classroom style) for the cost of yearly membership dues. New members dues are only $45. Many times, employees value the leadership training of their Jaycee employees to the extent they will cover all or a part of the annual dues.
Interested members may also compete locally, statewide and nationally in public speaking and essay writing. They can also hone their interview skills through several different competitions, such as the "Leadership Skill," "Family of the Year," and "Faith in God," programs.
Networking With Others
Jaycees offers something to people from all walks of life and with a wide variety of interests. In addition to joining for service to the community or to develop personal and leader skills, some members join for the social interaction and networking possibilities or to become more involved in government.
Jaycees have the opportunity to network with other Jaycees across Oklahoma, the United States and the world. Ponca city Jaycees are also members of the Oklahoma Junior Chamber of Commerce, the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Junior Chamber International.
Local Meetings
The Ponca City Jaycees meet four times each month, typically the first and fourth Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at the Conoco Fourth Street Club House, and the second and third Thursday meetings are usually held at noon, at Pizza Hut.
Meetings are open to the public and visitors are welcome and encouraged. Jaycees believe that each member should contribute in whatever way aligns with his or her own personal goals. No minimum time commitment is required of members.
The ideals of the Jaycees are embodied in the Jaycee Creed; "We believe that faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life, that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations, that economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise, that government should be of laws rather than of men, that earth's great treasure lies in human personality, and that service to humanity is the best work of life."
Any young adult who has similar beliefs and a desire to develop the leadership skills of him/herself or other young people may contact Jaycee president Cindy Empting at (405) 765-3988 or attend the next meeting.
Scheduled meetings for August are as follows: on the 21st, at noon, at Pizza Hut; on the 28th at 7 p.m. at Conoco Fourth Street Club House; and in September the meetings will be held; on the 4th at 7 p.m. at the Club House; on the 11th and 18th at noon at Pizza Hut, and on the 25th at 7 p.m. at the Club House.
For more information call Empting at 765-3988.
By Patti Pfeiffer
News Staff Writer
If it seems like crime has increased in Ponca City it is because it has. According to police figures there have been 94 more crimes this year than this time last year.
The largest increase in crime has been in auto thefts. There were 34 more auto thefts reported between Jan. 1 and July 31, 1997 than in the same time frame in 1996.
People seem to be reluctant to adjust their lifestyles to crimes of the times, making it easier for criminals to do their "job." Police Chief Raymond Ham says that 98 percent of the stolen vehicles had the keys left in them. "We are victims of ourselves," Ham explained. "The large majority of the crimes we are seeing are crimes of convenience. People are leaving the keys in their cars with the doors unlocked."
And to further prove the chief's "crimes of convenience" theory, there was an increase in larceny as well. Up by 20, Ham also partly contributes the problem to the victims themselves. "Again, we are taking very little time to secure our own property," he emphasized. "A little caution could prevent a lot of crime. People report something stolen and then find out it was not secured in the first place."
There were increases in other crime categories as well. There were 31 more reports of assault and battery and armed robbery was up by nine. Ham was concerned about the significant increase in assaults and battery. Husbands and wives, entire families, neighbors and strangers, Ham said that there was no set pattern or group that increased more than the other. "This year it just seems that people are angry and we don't know why."
Although crime is up, so is the number of solved crimes. According to the chief, police have "cleared" more cases in every category listed except larceny. "We average seven arrests per day," Ham said. That figure is up by nearly one over last year.
Reducing crime is a city-wide, people-wide effort and Chief Ham offers his advice in keeping crime to a minimum, "if people will help themselves it will help reduce these statics."
The testing of the Ponca City emergency siren warning system will be held at noon, every Thursday, according to Tom Montgomery, emergency management operations officer.
The test is scheduled throughout the year.
Montgomery said that in case of inclement weather, the test will be postponed, and in this case or if additional tests are planned, the public will be notified by the Ponca City News and the radio stations.
BLACKWELL - Greg Martin, chief executive officer at Blackwell Regional Hospital, has announced that David Dunnington, M.D., has joined the staff of physicians at BRH this August.
Dunnington is a 1992 graduate of the University of Oklahoma Medical School. In 1995 he graduated from his residency at Bass Hospital in Enid. Dunnington is Board Certified in Family Practice and has experience in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and sports medicine. Dr. Dunnington has also had experience overseas in practicing third world medicine. He has been a member of the Oklahoma Army and National Guard for seven years.
Dunnington comes to Blackwell from Stilwell, Okla., where he was chief of staff. He will be joining Dr. Shuart and Parnell Adams, P.A., in the Blackwell Medical Clinic Suite B at 1009 West Ferguson, using the space formerly utilized by Dr. Swan.
Dunnington stated that he would like to see a wide variety of patients from infants through geriatrics. Dunnington is currently seeing patients at the Blackwell Medical Clinic and has already volunteered his services, along with Parnell, giving physicals to Braman students.
"I'm excited about practicing medicine here in Blackwell and with Dr. Shuart whom I shared a residency with. I am also anxious to get involved with the athletes in this area," added Dunnington.
Dunnington comes to Blackwell with his wife Lorraine, and three children: Meredith, 9; Garrett, 8 and Andrew, 7. Ponca Citians are invited to help BRH and the medical staff in Blackwell welcome the Dunnington family to the community.
United Way of Ponca City announces the position of program director for the AmeriCorps program has been filled by Ruslyn Hermanson. Hermanson comes to the position with excellent skills to oversee the newly received AmeriCorps grant. She has been a teacher, business owner and community volunteer in Ponca City.
"We are so proud to have an AmeriCorps program in our community and Ruslyn will be an asset to our program," says Helene Schwartz, United Way director. "AmeriCorps is a federally funded program, so our tax dollars are returned from Washington, D.C. to help our own community.
"This is an opportunity to create new programs to strengthen our community. It is also a unique opportunity for individuals who are looking to serve the community while gaining experience in the field of human services," she said.
For a year of full-time service, individuals will earn a living allowance and an education award for college, vocational school, graduate school, or to help pay off student loans. Child care and health benefits are also available.
"This is a win-win for Ponca City," says Hermanson. "Seventeen individuals will become AmeriCorps members, gain valuable skills, and further their education, while helping make our community stronger."
Openings are still available for anyone interested in giving a year of service. For more information call or stop by the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street, (405) 765-2476.
The third annual Ponca City Balloon Festival and Air show will take off Aug. 29, with more than 15 balloonists participating and a full weekend of activities. Entries from experienced balloonists have been received from Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas.
One of the highlights of the event will be the hot air balloon "evening glow." Spectators will want to witness this colorful event as all the balloons' burners are lit while the balloons sit on the air strip at night.
Bruce Eberle, balloon festival chairman, states, "It is quite a sight to behold, so be sure and bring your cameras." The grounds will open at 6 p.m. "Come on out, bring your family and enjoy an evening of music, games for the kids and a wide variety of food concessions. We'll have a big part at the airport," says Eberle.
The Zen Okies will provide live music on both Aug. 29, and Aug. 30, of the festival. Zen Okies are a quartet of musicians playing a unique blend of blues, folk, bluegrass and good old rock and roll. Members of the band are Steve Fields, Bill Denison, Steve Keen and Jim Suter.
The Aug. 30 events will begin at 7:30 to 9 a.m., with mass ascensions around the community as the balloons fly toward the Ponca City Municipal Airport. Balloons of multiple colors and decorations, from "Tweety Bird" to "Cat-in-Round," from "Neon Fantasy" to "Cheshire Cat," will fill the air. The balloons will be recognizable by their names. A second mass ascension will take place on Aug. 31, at 7:30 a.m. (weather permitting) from Lake Ponca.
A pancake breakfast will be served on Aug. 30, from 7 to 10 a.m. The Good Ol' Okie Flying Society (GOOFS) will give a demonstration of radio controlled airplanes from 9 to 9:30 a.m. A parade of flight from the Ponca City Aviation Booster Club will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Topping off the morning activities will be an Aerobatics Air show starting at 11:45 a.m.
To tickle the public's taste buds there are many food concessions which include barbecue, hamburgers, mega dogs, bratwurst, hillbilly popcorn, snow cones, ice cream and funnel cakes. An assortment of drinks will also be available.
Afternoon activities will feature another aerobatics air show, skydiving, radio controlled airplanes and another parade of flight. The Zen Okies will once again be playing their special brand of music all day. Static military exhibits will be accessible for viewing as well as many classic cars.
Admission both days is $3, youths under five, $1, and parking is free. Those who wish to ride in a balloon or a helicopter may do so for a nominal feet.
This event is partially sponsored by Ponca City Tourism Authority, Ponca City Aviation Booster Club,. EAA Chapter 1046, Conoco Inc., Thorn Apple Valley and Lowe's of Ponca City.
A proposed controversial low income housing project slated for Ponca City has been scrapped. The $2 million project, a 58 unit elderly housing project located at Princeton Avenue, has caused concern and controversy for several months.
The developer, Gary Hassenflu, recently asked the City Commissioners to approve a resolution supporting the project. The resolution was necessary for the project to be approved for tax credits totaling $2 million over a ten year period to be given to investors of the project.
According to Jack Bowker, an investor, partner and the land owner of the proposed site of the project he made the decision to drop the entire project. "I am dropping the whole project with Gary Hassenflu," he explained.
Bowker said he will be considering another project on his property. "Only not an entitlement program where we get money from the government," he added.
When asked the reasons the project was dropped and if the city's reluctancy to approve the resolution had anything to do with his decision, Bowker refused comment.
TONKAWA - Dr. Joe Kinzer, president of Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, has announced the creation of a new degree program designed to meet the needs for knowledgeable and skills individuals to work for Native American communities in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
Two classes, Native American Culture and Tribal Government, will begin Aug. 21 at NOC.
According to Dr. Carol Conner, co-director of the program, both classes have a number of students already enrolled, despite the fact that the program is so new that the classes were not included in Northern's fall class schedule.
"We are very excited about this new program. We created the program in response to the overwhelming need expressed by tribal leaders for individuals with knowledge of Native America and practical skills for the challenging work in contemporary Native America," said Dr. Kinzer.
There are 39 tribal governments in Oklahoma and over 500 nationwide. These tribes are all involved in providing a wide range of services, employment and business opportunity to approximately 1.5 million Native Americans and other citizens in their communities.
The Native American Leadership program is designed both for students pursuing a two year associate of arts and science degree and for students interested in continuing education.
According to Dr. Kinzer, the program is innovative in many ways. "NOC was fortunate to contract Community Health Promotion (CHP), headed by Dr. Joe Conner and Dr. Carol Conner to develop the program."
"Carol and Joe have extensive experience working for tribes and Native American programs. They bring excellent academic and practical experience to the issues facing leaders, manager and employees working in Native America," said Kinzer. CHP is the sponsor of the Native American Leadership Academy, a program of career development designed to encourage the use and development of effective leadership skills by Native American leaders.
The goal of the Native American Leadership program at NOC is to strengthen and develop leadership attributes and skills in individuals who will work in Native America through course work and supervised field experience.
"We believe leadership is dispersed throughout all levels of Native America and general society from tribal council chambers, community health workers to state and federal employees working with Native American communities," said Dr. Joe Conner. "Leaders at all levels must have the skills necessary to make things happen and to encourage excellence if our communities are to achieve optimal social, cultural and economic health."
The Native American Leadership program will focus on imparting a broadly based knowledge of past and contemporary Native American culture, the technical and legal bases of tribal governance, the technical skills of program development and management and the "people skills" critical for leadership.
"We expect to give students the opportunity to learn the theories and methods of subjects like strategic planning, grant writing and program evaluation, as well as getting experience in class and supervised field experience," said Dr. Carol Conner.
For further information call NOC at (405) 628-6200 or (918) 793-7361.
The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), together with the Department of Health and Human Services Blood Safety Council Advisory Committee, is recommending that anyone who received a blood transfusion before 1992 be tested for Hepatitis C. OBI will begin offering Hepatitis C testing at all of its centers effective immediately. The Ponca City facility is located at 518 North Fourteenth Street.
Hepatitis C, which causes inflammation of the liver, is transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood or other body fluids. Of the over 4 million Americans infected with the Hepatitis C virus, approximately 8 percent (300,000) are believed to have been infected through transfusions received before 1992. It is now recommended that anyone transfused before 1992 be tested for the Hepatitis C virus.
As a service to Oklahomans, the Oklahoma Blood Institute is offering the test for Hepatitis C. The Blood Institute will charge $6 for the test to cover testing costs. Individuals will receive their test results within 10 working days of being tested.
The Hepatitis C virus was isolated in 1989 and the first direct test for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus became available in 1990. Since then, an improved version of the test has been implemented and is currently used by OBI to test all donated blood. Because of this advanced testing, any transfusion recipient who has donated blood with the Blood Institute after 1992 is not considered at risk for the disease.
"Hepatitis C is a potentially serious problem in that it can cause chronic liver disease," said OBI President and Blood Safety Council Advisory Committee member Ronald O. Gilcher, MD. "OBI is offering this test to Oklahomans so that if an individual should test positive, that person may take advantage of new treatment and avoid long-term consequences of chronic liver disease."
The test is being offered at the local OBI office. For more information,
contact the OBI office here at (405) 762-9488.
DEATHS
Betty Ruth McGlaslin Baldwin of Oklahoma City, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 1997 near Shawnee, Okla. She was 49.
Traditional Otoe-Missouria services will be held Thursday, Aug. 21, 1997, at the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Complex near Red Rock, Okla. Burial will be in the Otoe-Missouria Cemetery under direction of the Poteet Funeral Home in Pawnee, Okla.
FAIRFAX - Clifford Raymond "Cliff" Leverett, Fairfax resident, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 1997 in Fairfax. He was 80.
The funeral will be held graveside at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop, Texas, with Jimmie W. Cottle officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home, Bastrop.
Clifford Raymond "Cliff" Leverett was born Oct. 16, 1916, in Purcell, the son of John Raymond and Amanda (Tidwell) Leverett. During world War II he served in the military service in the Middle East and Italian theaters.
He was married to Leona Leverett, who preceded him in death in 1994. Leverett was a pipefitter by trade and had worked for a chemical plant in Channelview, Texas. He then lived some 35 years in Lake Bastrop Acres, near Bastrop, Texas. He had been a resident of Fairfax since 1995. While living in Texas he was active in the Lake Bastrop Acres Volunteer Fire Department and the Bastrop First Baptist Church. He was also active in community affairs there.
Survivors include two sons from a previous marriage, C. R. Leverett Jr. of Billings, Mont., and John Neal Leverett of Idaho Falls, Idaho; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives, including some in Fairfax.
The family will receive guests at the Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Angel Columbus, resident of Oklahoma City, died Tuesday morning, Aug. 19, 1997, in the Presbyterian Hospital, Oklahoma City. She was 32.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:30 p.m. this evening in the Ponca
Indian Baptist Church. Other arrangements are pending with the Trout Funeral
Home and will be announced later.
NEWS BRIEFS
1948 Reunion - The Ponca City High School class of 1948 reunion planning meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. Aug. 25 in the Programming Room of the Ponca City Library. Class members are invited to attend.
Senior Citizens Dance Set - A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Band will be playing for dancing and all seniors in the area are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.
Navy Airman Visits Greece - Navy Airman Rickey L. Ryan, son of Jack R. and Louise Ryan of Ponca City, recently completed a six-day port visit to Corfu, Greece, while assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy, currently on a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf. Ryan and fellow crew members hosted more than 1,000 visitors and completed a community relations project. They painted, repaired and landscaped at the Evangelical Church of Corfu, and cleared an acre of land infested with 18-foot-high bamboo and thorn bushes for preparations in the construction of a youth center. Ryan's ship's gospel choir also performed for the church's congregation. The 1993 graduate of Ponca City Senior High School joined the Navy in July 1996. He is a 1996 graduate of Northern Oklahoma College with a BS degree.
United Way Breakfast - Plan to attend the 1997-98 United Way Kick-Off Sept. 6 at a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 a.m. to noon at the Masonic Lodge, 1200 W. Grand. Adults $3, Children $1.50. All you can eat.
Bike Tour - Plan to join the United Way Campaign 1997-98 Kick-Off Bike Tour at 8 a.m. Sept. 8 at the Masonic Lodge, 1200 West Grand. Registration is $10 and includes a t-shirt and pancake and sausage breakfast. To register visit the United Way office at 102 South Fifth Street or be at the Lodge between 7 to 8 a.m., Sept. 8.
Storm-Grenada Veterans - The American Legion is searching for other Desert Storm/Grenada Veterans. The Legion states that it will be a matter of Veterans helping Veterans.
Fund-Raiser Breakfast - The Ponca Indian United Methodist Church Men's organization will sponsor a breakfast Saturday, 7:30 a.m., church fellowship hall in White Eagle. Proceeds to help defray church expenses. Menu: two eggs, two pancakes or toast, hashbrowns, sausage or bacon, gravy, coffee or juice. $3.50. Delbert Cole, president, says, "Come and get it. United we stand, divided we fall."
Cookies Needed - The Quarterback Club will be feeding both football teams, coaches and referees after the Wildcat-Choctaw scrimmage Friday. Parents of Ponca City football players are asked to bring two dozen cookies each to the practice field by 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Theft - At 6:50 a.m. Tuesday a woman in the 2200 block of North Fourteenth Street reported that her purse had been stolen along with her husband's wallet sometime during the night. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 39-year-old man at 10:47 a.m. Tuesday on two city warrants for failure to pay.
Arrest - At 1:52 p.m. Tuesday a 31-year-old man was arrested in the 200 block of South Pine Street on a city warrant for failure to obey.
Burglary - At 2:01 p.m. Tuesday a woman in the 300 block of South Osage Street reported a burglary to her residence. A report was taken.
Arrest - Police arrested a 38-year-old man at 5:14 p.m. Tuesday in the 1400 block of Pioneer Road on a city warrant for assault and battery.
Arrest - At 6:56 p.m. Tuesday police arrested a 35-year-old man on a city warrant for failure to appear and bail bond revoked.
Arrest - A 29-year-old man was arrested at 3:12 a.m. Wednesday at Fourth Street and South Avenue on a Kay County warrant for failure to appear.
Reading Program Ends - The 1997 Summer Reading Program has ended.
Participants should pick up their photographs and notebooks pages by Aug.
21.
LIFESTYLES
City Commissioner Tom Leonard will install the new officers of Professionals Today at the noon Thursday luncheon at E.W.'s Restaurant at the Conference Center on the Marland Estate.
New officers will be Debra Whitener, president; Ruth Capshaw, president-elect; Suzanne Zanardi, secretary; Julie Brown, treasurer; Ann Bandy, director-at-large.
Chairman of the membership committee is Karen Smith Hunter; the finance committee will be chaired by Deanna Hunter Lowther; community service chairman is Donna Jeffries White, and Roylene Mayse is hospitality chairman. Sandy James will be the 1998 Cherokee Strip Cook-off Chairman.
Arrangements for the installation ceremonies were made by Carol Anne
Blackwill. Members are reminded to bring their donations for the "goodie
bags" for the 1997 cook-off to the office of Ann Bandy. The event is
slated for Sept. 20 at the Marland Estate grounds.
SPORTS
By FRED HILTON
News Sports Editor
This year's Lady Wildcat volleyball team is having to learn on the road.
With the old gym under repair after receiving water damage on both floors, the Lady Cats haven't had much of a chance to practice.
So coach Steve McKay wasn't expecting much as he had to cancel the Ponca City Tournament and attend the Skiatook Tournament last weekend.
"I was really surprised," McKay said after the Poncans defeated Oklahoma Union, lost to Tulsa Uniuon and spilt with Skiatook and Tulsa Hale. "The girls played pretty well. The tournament was pretty much our first practice. We had two starters out. If they had been there we probably could have made the finals."
As it was one PoHi player, Emmy Hufnagel, was named to the All-Tournament Team.
"Amy Fremin and Lauren Brune played well on both offense and defense," McKay said. "And our new setter Ashley Mott played well."
The other regulars for the team, which will take part in the Edmond Tournament this weekend, include Megan Tomek, Rachael Morrison, Jessica Bushaw, Nikki Duke and Melissa Whitney."
Following the play in Edmond this week and a single match at Tulsa Hale
next Tuesday, the Lady Cats are scheduled to play their first home match
against Bartlesville on Thursday, Aug. 28.